This is the U.S.’s First Territory to Approve Marijuana Legalization

The Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives just approved a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana for adult and medical use. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands would be the first U.S. territory to legalize and regulate marijuana for adult use.

House Bill 20-178, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Deleon Guerrero (R-Saipan), was approved 18-1-1 in the House, reports the MPP. In summary, the legislation:

creates a Homegrown Marijuana Registry, through which adults and patients can register to grow a limited number of marijuana plants (six mature and 12 immature or up to twice that amount in the case of medical need) for personal use;

directs the legislature to enact taxes and fees on all marijuana sold by a producer, as well as an excise tax on retail sales of marijuana for adult use (medical marijuana is exempt);

establishes a nine-member appointed CNMI Cannabis Commission, which will serve as the regulatory agency overseeing commercial marijuana and hemp.

Such laws have been adopted by voters in eight states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Lawmakers in Vermont and voters in D.C have adopted laws making marijuana possession and cultivation legal for adults, but not regulating commercial production or sales.

“We applaud CNMI legislators for keeping this important legislation alive and moving it forward. Taking marijuana off the illegal market and regulating its production and sale will improve public health and safety. Patients with debilitating conditions who could benefit from marijuana deserve steady access to quality-controlled medicine. The Senate now has a chance to make history by signing off on the bill and sending it to Gov. Torre,” said Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies for the MPP.